RB Olamaide Zaccheaus solidly on Pitt’s radar

The majority of Pitt football fans remember former running back Dion Lewis.  The current Cleveland Brown was a dominant performer that rushed for 1,640 yards and scored 17 touchdowns during the 2009 season.  Lewis was small in stature but incredible powerful and with impressive breakaway speed.  It appears the Panthers coaching staff has discovered a similar player with Philadelphia (PA) St. Joseph’s running back Olamide Zaccheaus (5-foot-8 inches, 190 pounds).

Pitt, Temple, Cincinnati, Miami (FL), Ohio and Old Dominion have offered Zaccheaus a scholarship.  Rutgers, Maryland, Boston College, Northwestern and Penn State have expressed strong interest in his services.  He scored 15 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,200 yards last season.  Olamide helped St. Joseph’s to a PIAA Quad A title.

“Pitt has produced some productive running backs in the NFL and they are a strong academic school,” he said.  “I hear nothing but good things about the program.  I need to get there for a visit.”

“I’m looking for a strong academic school that offers computer science as a major.  I need to have a connection with the coaches as well.  I’m hoping to find a program where the players are strongly connected and feel responsible for each other’s development and success.  I want to see that type of bond with the team.”

Olamide was asked to highlight his strengths as a running back.  He stated, “My speed is one of my main strengths.  I’m an explosive playmaker.  I can catch the ball and my route running is strong.”

“I’m very open right now.  I’m going to do my best to get to Pitt and Miami (FL) in the future.”

Zaccheaus was one of several running backs to receive early scholarship offers from Pitt.  Melbourne (FL) Palm Bay Senior Sekai Lindsey, Warrington (PA) Central Bucks South Josh Adams and Union City (NJ) Tamaine Boyd are amongst Pitt’s additional early offers.